week of 1/1

Unit 17  Session 1

A PEOPLE RETURNED

EZRA 1-2

God is faithful to fulfill His promises and will bring restoration.

After spending seventy years in exile, away from their homeland, the Lord brought upheaval to kingdoms of the world, resulting in His people going home. Belshazzar and the Babylonians were overthrown by the Persians, and the result was a change in policy towards those who had been deported from Judah. God would bring His chosen people back to the land of promise - the land that He had given to Abraham and that Israel had settled during the days of Joshua.

Points to consider:

✞   The Lord moved a leader to fulfill His Word.

     * How should knowing the Lord fulfills His 

        promises cause us to read His Word?

     * What difference should God's providence, 

        His control of all things, make in how we 

        view history?

✞   The Lord roused the people to rebuild His house.

     * How should God's care for the details of His 

        worship move our hearts to worship Him 

        better?

✞   The Lord restored the families to their homes.     

     * How might God's unchanging nature 

        encourage you during hard times?